When a buzzing insect approaches, many wonder why it seems to be singling them out. Bees flying close to individuals often cause concern, yet there are clear reasons for this behavior. Rather than a personal attack, these insects are usually just going about their daily activities, and certain human characteristics or actions can inadvertently draw their attention. Understanding these factors can help alleviate apprehension and promote peaceful coexistence with these important creatures.
What Attracts Bees to You
Bees have a strong sense of smell, which they use to locate food sources like nectar and pollen. Sweet and floral scents from human products, such as perfumes, colognes, shampoos, and even sunscreens, can inadvertently attract them by mimicking flower aromas. Sugary foods or drinks, especially outdoors, can also draw bees seeking a sweet reward. These insects may perceive such scents as a signal of available sustenance.
Beyond scent, visual cues also attract bees. Bees have trichromatic vision, perceiving colors like ultraviolet, blue, and green as vibrant. Bright clothing, especially in shades of blue and purple, or patterns resembling flowers, can make a person visually appealing to a foraging bee. While bees realize a person is not a flower, these visual signals can initially draw their curiosity.
Certain species, known as sweat bees (Halictidae family), are drawn to human perspiration. These tiny bees seek the salt and minerals in sweat, which are essential for their nutritional needs. They may land on skin to consume the moisture. Sudden or erratic movements can also attract a bee’s attention, sometimes out of curiosity or if perceived as a threat to their territory.
Distinguishing Bees from Other Insects
Many confuse bees with other stinging insects, particularly wasps like yellowjackets or hornets, which exhibit different behaviors. Visual distinctions aid identification. Bees generally have rounder, fuller, hairy bodies with thicker legs, which helps them collect pollen efficiently. Wasps, in contrast, tend to be more slender with smoother, shinier bodies, a distinct narrow “waist,” and thinner legs.
Behavioral patterns also differentiate these insects. Bees are more docile, primarily focused on collecting nectar and pollen from flowers. They are less likely to sting unless directly threatened or their hive is disturbed. Wasps, however, are often more aggressive, especially when foraging for protein or defending nests. They are frequently seen hovering around human food and garbage, as they are predators that hunt other insects and also feed on sugary substances.
A key difference lies in their stinging capabilities. Honey bees have barbed stingers, which become lodged in the skin after a sting, leading to the bee’s death. This means a honey bee can only sting once. Wasps, however, possess smooth stingers that allow them to sting multiple times without harming themselves. While bumblebees can sting more than once, they are less aggressive than wasps.
How to React When Bees Are Nearby
When a bee is flying nearby, remain calm. Sudden, jerky movements or attempting to swat at the bee can provoke it, as these actions can be perceived as a threat. Instead, if a bee approaches, try to remain still or move away slowly and deliberately from the area. This non-threatening behavior signals to the bee that you are not a danger, and it will likely continue on its way.
Taking preventative measures can reduce the likelihood of attracting bees. Avoid strong, sweet, or floral fragrances from perfumes, lotions, and hair products to make yourself less appealing to foraging bees. Wearing neutral or lighter-colored clothing, rather than bright or floral-patterned attire, can also help you blend in and be less noticeable to bees.
When outdoors, especially during picnics or gatherings, keep food and sugary drinks covered. This reduces scents attractive to bees and other insects, preventing them from investigating your meal. Should a bee land on you, a gentle brush or slow movement can encourage it to fly away without agitation. These actions support safer interaction with bees, allowing them to continue their important role in the ecosystem.